Uttar Pradesh hosts workshop to strengthen Ganga conservation efforts

LUCKNOW: The State Clean Ganga Mission, Uttar Pradesh (SMCG-UP) organised a three-day workshop for district project officers (DPOs) in Lucknow, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of Ganga conservation efforts across various districts.
The workshop, held at Fairfield by Marriott in Gomti Nagar, focused on strengthening the role of District Ganga Committees in maintaining the river’s cleanliness and uninterrupted flow.
The event was inaugurated by project director Dr Raj Shekhar, who underscored the crucial role of DPOs in Ganga conservation. He highlighted the need for more effective functioning of District Ganga Committees, which coordinate with local authorities, industries, and the public to ensure river cleanliness. Dr Shekhar also commended the team for their successful efforts during Kumbh-2025, calling it a significant example of conservation initiatives.
Additional project director Prabhash Kumar stressed that Ganga is not just a river but a symbol of India’s cultural and religious heritage. He pointed out that government efforts alone are insufficient and public participation is essential. He urged District Ganga Committees to implement concrete action plans alongside awareness campaigns to tackle pollution.
Senior officials, including communication and outreach head Sonalika Singh, knowledge and planning head Mithlesh Kumar Mishra and technical advisor Anil Kumar Gupta, attended the workshop.
The DPOs received in-depth training on financial, technical and administrative aspects to improve project implementation.
Four technical sessions covered critical topics.
The first, led by Priya Agarwal, focused on financial training, explaining budget allocation and expenditure processes for Ganga conservation projects. The second, conducted by Mithlesh Kumar Mishra, detailed the structure, functions, and responsibilities of District Ganga Committees in ensuring daily cleanliness and industrial compliance.
The third session, by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) team, trained officers on the Ganga District Project Management System (GDPMS) Portal for efficient data management. The final session, led by Anil Kumar Gupta, addressed wastewater management, discussing sewage treatment and industrial waste purification.
DPOs actively participated, sharing strategies and initiatives from their districts to improve Ganga conservation. The exchange of ideas aimed to inspire more effective implementation across all districts.
Dr Shekhar praised the commitment of the officers and urged them to continue their work with dedication. He emphasised that such training programs are crucial in strengthening conservation efforts at the grassroots level.
The workshop concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to Ganga’s cleanliness and rejuvenation, reinforcing the state's mission to preserve the river for future generations.